tropism
[ troh-piz-uhm ]
/ ˈtroʊ pɪz əm /
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noun Biology.
an orientation of an organism to an external stimulus, as light, especially by growth rather than by movement.
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Origin of tropism
First recorded in 1895–1900; independent use of -tropism
OTHER WORDS FROM tropism
tro·pis·mat·ic [troh-piz-mat-ik], /ˌtroʊ pɪzˈmæt ɪk/, adjectivetro·pis·tic [troh-pis-tik], /troʊˈpɪs tɪk/, adjectiveWords nearby tropism
Definition for tropism (2 of 2)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for tropism
British Dictionary definitions for tropism (1 of 2)
tropism
/ (ˈtrəʊpɪzəm) /
noun
the response of an organism, esp a plant, to an external stimulus by growth in a direction determined by the stimulus
Derived forms of tropism
tropismatic, adjectivetropistic (trəʊˈpɪstɪk), adjectiveWord Origin for tropism
from Greek tropos a turn
British Dictionary definitions for tropism (2 of 2)
-tropism
-tropy
n combining form
indicating a tendency to turn or develop in response to a certain stimulusphototropism
Word Origin for -tropism
from Greek tropos a turn
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for tropism (1 of 2)
tropism
[ trō′pĭz′əm ]
n.
The turning or bending movement of a living organism or part toward or away from an external stimulus, such as light, heat, or gravity.
Other words from tropism
tro′pic, tro•pis′tic adj.Medical definitions for tropism (2 of 2)
-tropism
suff.
Tropism:stereotropism.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for tropism
tropism
[ trō′pĭz′əm ]
The growth or movement of a living organism or anatomical structure toward or away from an external stimulus, such as light, heat, or gravity. See also geotropism hydrotropism phototropism.
Other words from tropism
tropistic adjectiveThe American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.